If there is one thing I have learned about the fast bowler’s union it’s this: there is a real passion, hunger and knowledge for bowling with pace.

But there is also frustration at the lack of coaching advice that helps you get quicker.

As Ian Pont often says; there is a terrible fear in the cricket world that really fast bowlers are also really injured bowlers. Coaches want to do no harm so they do no coaching to improve speed.

And where better to prove it, with your help, than right here?

How fast can you get?

If you are a fast bowler I want you to take this challenge:

How much can you improve your speed in 30 days?

The best improvement will win a prize, but it’s not really about prizes it’s about testing yourself and making an improvement of which you are proud.

It’s really very simple to enter. Here is what you do.

1. Clock yourself

Before we can see improvement we need to know where you are starting. Clock yourself bowling with either a speed gun or PitchVision (if you want to know where your nearest PV system is, contact us with your address).

I know there are other ways to check your speed, so use them if you must, but they are much less accurate.

I know it’s possible to cheat by not going flat out - or just plain lying - but don’t. It defeats the object of self improvement.

2. Setup a training log

When you have your number head to the training logs section and set up a log by clicking “Post new forum topic.”

Introduce yourself and tell us the results of your first speed test.

3. Show us your workings

From this point you have 30 days to get as quick as you can. How you use this time is up to you, but you need to show us what you are doing.

It’s best to outline your plan up front (to give you some accountability) but it’s more important to track exactly what you are doing (including slip-ups).

• Cricket training (net sessions and the like)
• Technical changes (and the drills you are using to make the changes)
• Diet and exercise
• Lifestyle changes (rest, sleep, non-cricket recreation i.e. TV, computer time)
• How you are feeling about your new regime

But it really is up to you. Just make sure that you post any changes you make to training, diet, lifestyle and technique over the course of the 30 days. It's impossible to be perfect, so also include the days when things don't go to plan.

For some tips and methods to try, get your head into articles on PitchVision here:

• The 10 Immutable Laws of Fast Bowling
• The Complete Guide to Cricket Fitness
• Pace Bowling on PitchVision

4. After 30 days, clock yourself again

When the 30 days are up, it’s time to clock your new speed. Use the same method at the same venue at the same time of the day to make it as even as possible.

Post your new speed in your log then email me the link to your log (I’ll be keeping an eye open on the logs but I’ll need your email to track everyone properly).

Start by 18^th September 2011

If you want to be in with a chance of winning the prize you have to start your 30 days before (or on) 18^th September. This gives you time to get clocked before you start making changes.

That way, we can build up a database of how effective methods are with real bowlers.

Don’t cheat (I know it would be easy, but don’t as you are only cheating yourself).

Of course, you don’t have to enter the competition to take the challenge. This really is more about you than it is about the prizes. You could just set yourself the challenge and track yourself privately.

But entering gives you a chance to share ideas with the mavericks that also have your passion for bucking the trend and bowling really fast.

Plus, you can track how fast you can really get in 30 days.

So, clock yourself now and setup that log!